One of the most exciting developments to spring from Spyker’s last-minute rescue of Saab from General Motors is the Swedish company’s freedom to source platforms, engines, and parts from outside the GM universe. To that end, Saab announced its first tie-up with another major automaker today, confirming our report from earlier this year that BMW will supply turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines to the Swedes starting in 2012.

Saab says the BMW-sourced mill will make roughly 200 hp—a figure as high as 220 is possible—and is headed first for the next 9-3 (which could well get a new/old name: 900). It may also see duty in the upcoming retro-styled Saab 92 compact.

The engine is among BMW’s next-gen four-cylinder family, which also will find homes in the 1- and 3-series and a slew of Minis. The version Saab gets will feature engine stop/start tech, direct injection, and possibly BMW’s Valvetronic variable-valve-lift system, all in the name of greater efficiency and lower emissions.

More Collaboration to Come?

Even though Saab will continue to lean on General Motors for products and parts in the near term—the upcoming 9-4X crossover will be built by GM alongside the Cadillac SRX—the company is looking at BMW for more than just engines: The 92 could share its platform with Mini and even a future generation of the 1-series, should the latter move to a front-wheel-drive layout.

While Saab has no choice but to partner with other carmakers for powertrain components, there’s a strong industrial logic for BMW as well: It needs to build engines in higher volumes. This drove BMW’s recent deal to supply diesel sixes for Carbon Motors’ purpose-built police cars. And with an engine-sharing deal with Mercedes-Benz falling through earlier this year, and questions about the status of BMW’s current four-cylinder alliance with Peugeot/Citroën, the chance to supply Saab—even if in relatively small numbers—helps the bottom line.

Saab may even return the favor by sending technology to BMW in the future. Although in the initial stages, Saab just formed a joint venture with American Axle Manufacturing to develop and produce electric and hybrid all-wheel-drive systems. Results are still a long way off, but we can’t imagine that BMW would pass on using the tech in hybrid versions of the Mini Countryman or BMW X1.

In the meantime, we’re excited to hear that Saab is moving forward with new products. It certainly can’t hurt those vehicles’ chances at success if they’re powered by the work of one of the industry’s best engine developers.